A series of earthquakes measuring up to
6.0 on the Richter scale hit Turkey on February 3rd, killing 44 people
and injuring 318. The earthquakes occurred in Afyon Province, 190 km from
the capital, Ankara, affecting Bolvadin, Eber village and Cay Town. Over
600 buildings, including many mud houses, were damaged or destroyed.
The government has responded well to
the crisis, having learned lessons from the 1999 earthquakes which killed
approximately 20,000 people. The local and national government have set
up mobile kitchens and a mobile hospital. Search and Rescue teams are distributing
emergency food rations, and the Turkish Red Crescent is providing tents,
blankets and cooking equipment. Save the Children will not be responding
to this crisis since local efforts appear to be meeting the needs of the
population.
Emergencies Section, 5th February 2002